Lutherie is the craft of making and repairing stringed instruments, such as guitars, violins, and cellos. This specialized art combines woodworking skills with an understanding of acoustics to create instruments that produce beautiful sounds. A luthier, the person who practices lutherie, often works with various materials, including wood, metal, and synthetic components, to achieve the desired tone and playability. The history of lutherie dates back centuries, with notable figures like Antonio Stradivari and Giorgio Giacomo contributing to its development. Today, luthiers may work independently or for companies, and they often customize instruments to meet the specific needs of musicians.